Dandan Marianas in Chamorro means “Music of the Marianas.” Chamorro singers like Kris Kaipat, Danny Pocaigue, and Jesse Rivera have been featured on Dandan Marianas social media platforms. These names might not sound familiar but their Chamorro music has thrived on with DanDan Marianas. These are just some of the names of artists that associate with the platform to help capture and preserve the Chamorro language and music.

The Dandan Marianas Concert, the first of its kind, was a benefit concert for Saipan and Tinian islands that were affected by the recent Typhoon Yutu. Yutu is the biggest storm to hit U.S soil since 1935, according to a report by The Atlantic. Over 15 Chamorro performers took the stage on November 18^th, 2018 at Auto City, Hagatna.

Elijah Reyes created DanDan Marianas to promote, sustain, and document local Chamorro singers throughout the Mariana Islands for free. “This is a platform for preserving the Chamorro language through music,” Reyes said.

Reyes said most of the performers on his program were from the CNMI and felt the urgency to do more than just donate food/water. “I started reaching out to my close friends and team members of Figo Bonsai Jiu-jitsu if they would like to volunteer time,” Reyes said.

Reyes’ Dandan Marianas gains most attention on social media sites like Facebook and YouTube. “I usually post weekly depending on an artist that is available, Christmas is coming up and we love [to] have artists come on the show and perform holiday Chamorro music,” said Reyes. The Dandan Marianas Facebook page has over 17,000 followers and almost 16,000 people have liked the page.

“This concert was made possible with hard work and sacrifice, everything – whether it was a small help or big help like sponsors,”Reyes said.

“Elijah, hats off to you for your efforts and sacrifices traveling to the outer islands and promoting our cultural songs,” said Bobbie DeGracia, a major fan of the Dandan Marianas music site.

This planning process had only a short time span of three weeks to get everything situated. Regardless of the limited amount of time and complex logistics, Elijah considers this concert a success and is excited to do more with more

Kyle Mandapat and Tori Santos, representing Sorensen Media Group, opened the concert introducing the Governor of the CNMI, Ralph De-Leon Guerrero Torres and his First Lady, Dianne Tudela Torres. “We are so happy to have been able to be here with Dandan Marianas. Thank you to Elijah and everyone who helped make this happen.” Governor Torres said. Reyes spent time with the Governor and his wife on several occasions discussing Chamorro music and the Chamorro culture. The Governor and is wife were special guests alongside newly elected senator, Vinny Sablan and his family who are close friends of Reyes.

There were five different singers in the line-up that also came from Saipan to perform. Reyes wanted to express helping Guam’s sister islands who are suffering. He also said that he hopes to inspire people to take more interest in their own culture, music, and language, to learn, and to sustain it. This platform encourages local creativity and preservation of the Chamorro culture. “This is an art of music. Knowing who you are, and being proud of who you are,” Reyes said. Many people volunteered to help make this concert possible.

Mark Delgado, a Figo’ Bonsai volunteer, said he was eager to help out for Typhoon Yutu after seeing pictures and videos of the typhoon hitting the CNMI. Mark listens to the Dandan Marianas channel with his younger siblings and cousins to expose them to Chamorro music. “I love listening to Chamorro music and I want my younger siblings and cousins to hear it and listen.” Delgado said. He volunteered for the benefit concert and stated that it broke his heart to see Saipan and Tinian lose everything. The concert went on till two in the morning and Delgado mentioned the crowd was “cha-cha-ing all night long – and for a good cause too.”

Figo’ volunteers helped with the concert admissions, food and drink tickets, and alcohol distribution. “Figo’ is a family and if one needs help we all help, and do it together. I am very proud to be apart of this team,” Delgado said

 

The concert from its stage point of view was an overwhelming feeling to Joe Garrido, 22, Dededo. Joe is pictured above at the concert. The stage lights were beaming on the singer as he was setting up for sound check.

Joe is a recent graduate from the University of Guam and is now a Chamorro teacher who is passionate about Chamorro music. He was touched by the support the concert had all night and was happy to be able to perform and take part in this benefit for the CNMI.

For more information, visit their page, https://www.facebook.com/dandanmarianas/ you can also contact Elijah Reyes, Creator, at (671) 687-9385.